How to Recognize and Describe Dementia

Course overview

Occupational and physical therapy professionals work with patients throughout the life span. Clinicians are often positioned to note changes in everyday activity that may reflect the early stages of cognitive decline. Early screening and referral for diagnosis and intervention may help some clients live safer and more productive lives for longer periods of time. This module provides learners with an understanding of the early symptoms of dementia, the various types of dementia, other diagnoses that can produce symptoms of cognitive impairment, and the clinical significance of using the global scales for staging the severity of dementia. Considerations for modifying your treatment plan and interventions based on the stage of dementia are discussed.